Guide to Postel/DJID requirements for remote control cars in Indonesia.
Remote control cars or RC cars use wireless communication between a remote controller and the car unit. The controller generally functions as the transmitter, while the receiver installed in the car receives commands to control movement, steering, or other functions.
Because these products use radio communication, Postel/DJID Certification requirements need to be assessed based on frequency, transmission power, transmitter, receiver, RF module, antenna, and product configuration.
Indonesia’s current telecommunications equipment and device certification framework is regulated under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024, which replaced Regulation Number 16 of 2018. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Do Remote Control Cars Require Postel Certification?
The certification requirement cannot be determined solely because the product is an RC toy.
The wireless system needs to be assessed. Two RC cars with similar designs may have different technical requirements if they use different frequencies, transmission power levels, or RF modules.
Information normally reviewed includes:
- Operating frequency.
- Frequency range.
- Transmission power.
- Transmitter and receiver.
- RF module.
- Antenna.
- Channel and modulation.
- Product brand and model.
- Country of manufacture.
A pre-import technical assessment helps determine the applicable DJID/SDPPI Certification requirements.
RF System in Remote Control Cars
In a typical RC car, communication takes place between the remote controller and a receiver installed in the vehicle.
When a user operates a button or joystick, the transmitter sends a radio signal. The receiver interprets the signal and activates functions such as forward movement, reverse movement, steering, stopping, or other features.
The remote controller therefore forms an important part of the wireless assessment.
Frequency of Remote Control Cars
Frequency is one of the main parameters reviewed during Postel assessment.
Frequency information may be available in the product datasheet, user manual, RF specification, or manufacturer test report.
Typical information includes:
- Operating frequency.
- Frequency range.
- Channel.
- Bandwidth.
- Modulation.
Class-license spectrum use is regulated under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 2 of 2023 as amended by Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 2 of 2025. The 2025 amendment is currently in force. JDIH Kemkomdigi
The actual operating frequency should therefore be reviewed against the applicable spectrum and technical requirements.
Transmission Power of RC Cars
Transmission power is another important parameter in determining the radio characteristics of the product.
Technical documents may describe it as:
- Transmit power.
- RF output power.
- Maximum output power.
- Conducted power.
- Radiated power.
A low-power RC car is not automatically exempt from Postel Certification.
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 contains specific provisions for certain devices with telecommunications functions using transmission power below 10 mW and one identical telecommunications feature. These provisions need to be applied according to the actual product characteristics and should not be interpreted as a general certification exemption. JDIH Kemkomdigi
RC Cars and Short Range Devices
Some remote control cars use short-range radio communication and may relate to the Short Range Device or SRD category.
Current SRD technical standards include Minister of Communication and Informatics Decision Number 260 of 2024. Postel
However, short operating range does not automatically remove certification requirements.
Frequency, transmission power, radio module, and communication configuration still need to be assessed.
RC Cars with Bluetooth or WiFi
Modern RC cars may include Bluetooth or WiFi in addition to conventional RF remote control.
Bluetooth may allow control through a smartphone, while WiFi may support applications, cameras, live video, or other data communication features.
When several wireless technologies are present, the assessment should cover:
- Bluetooth or WiFi version.
- Frequency band.
- Transmission power.
- Wireless module.
- Antenna.
- Bandwidth.
- Function of each wireless technology.
Technical requirements for RLAN/WiFi are also addressed under Minister of Communication and Digital Decision Number 12 of 2025. Postel
Does the Remote Controller Need to Be Assessed?
Yes, when the remote controller functions as the transmitter.
Information generally required includes:
- Remote controller photos.
- Brand and model.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- RF module.
- Antenna.
- Channels.
- Datasheet or technical specifications.
Reviewing both the controller and the car helps determine the complete communication configuration.
Documents Required for RC Car Postel Assessment
For an initial assessment, companies should generally prepare:
- RC car photos.
- Remote controller photos.
- Brand and model.
- Product datasheet.
- Remote controller datasheet.
- RF module datasheet.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna specifications.
- User manual.
- Country of manufacture.
- RF test report, if available.
These documents help identify the wireless system and determine testing and certification requirements.
Is a Certified RF Module Sufficient?
Not necessarily.
An RF module certificate can serve as supporting documentation, but it does not automatically mean that the complete RC car is exempt from assessment.
Module integration may involve changes to the antenna, output power, firmware, enclosure, or RF configuration.
The module documentation should therefore be compared with the actual final product configuration.
Can Several RC Car Models Use One Certificate?
The possibility of covering several models under one Certificate depends on their technical similarities.
Similar body design or color is not sufficient. Important parameters include:
- Brand and type.
- RF module.
- Frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna.
- Wireless functions.
- Country of manufacture.
- Transmitter and receiver configuration.
Under certain conditions, Regulation Number 3 of 2024 allows one Certificate to cover more than one variant when all specified requirements are fulfilled. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Each group of models should therefore be assessed before determining the certification approach.
Postel Certification Process for Remote Control Cars
The process may generally include:
- Collecting product documentation.
- Assessing the wireless system.
- Reviewing the transmitter and receiver.
- Reviewing frequency and transmission power.
- Reviewing the RF module and antenna.
- Identifying applicable technical standards.
- Determining testing requirements.
- Preparing certification documents.
- Conducting testing when required.
- Submitting the DJID/SDPPI Certification application.
- Certificate issuance after the requirements are fulfilled.
Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides for compliance with Technical Standards through testing and certification. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Certification Validity and Postel Labeling
Under Regulation Number 3 of 2024, the Certificate itself does not have an expiration date, although separate provisions apply to manufacturing, assembly, and importation activities conducted under the Certificate.
Companies should therefore consider the Certificate issuance date when products will continue to be imported over the long term.
Certified products are also subject to labeling requirements. The regulated format includes the Certificate number and PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign where applicable. JDIH Kemkomdigi
Importance of Assessment Before Importation
Pre-import assessment helps companies understand product requirements before an RC car is shipped to Indonesia.
Two products with similar appearances may use different frequencies, RF modules, transmission power levels, or remote controllers.
An initial assessment can identify:
- DJID/SDPPI Certification requirements.
- Product frequency and transmission power.
- Testing requirements.
- Required technical documents.
- Possibility of grouping several models.
- Labeling requirements.
It also helps importers request the correct technical documentation from suppliers before the certification process begins.
Difference Between Postel Certification and Toy Certification
Postel Certification and toy product requirements are separate regulatory aspects.
Postel/DJID Certification relates to telecommunications and wireless functions incorporated into the product. Toy requirements relate to safety and other standards applicable to the toy category.
Therefore, Postel Certification does not replace toy safety requirements, and toy compliance does not automatically replace telecommunications certification requirements.
Conclusion
Postel requirements for remote control cars need to be assessed based on the characteristics of the radio communication system.
Frequency, transmission power, transmitter, receiver, RF module, antenna, Bluetooth, WiFi, and product configuration are important elements of the assessment.
By conducting an assessment before importation, companies can determine certification, testing, documentation, model grouping, and labeling requirements more accurately.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for remote control cars and various wireless products that will be imported or marketed in Indonesia.
Our services include:
- Assessment of DJID/SDPPI certification requirements.
- Bluetooth module assessment.
- RF specification review.
- Frequency and transmission power analysis.
- Technical document review.
- Certification document preparation.
- Testing coordination where required.
- DJID/SDPPI Certification assistance.
If you have a remote control car, you can prepare product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, and wireless module datasheet for an initial assessment of the Postel Certification requirements
